Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Endurance.....

Tuesday, August 7, 2012



"There is a sense in which life on this earth is an endurance contest.  It can be helpful to view your life this way; because then your not shocked or disappointed by the many trials you encounter.  God knows exactly how much you can bear, and He set limits to your suffering.  Your job is to continue trusting Him in the present, waiting for Him to provide a way out - in His way and timing." 
Sarah Young

ENDURANCE

Is it just me or has 2012 been an especially difficult year for most of us?  It seems most everyone I know has struggled with more-than-usual crisis' this year.....

(Mom)
Death......

(Our good friend, Norm)
Illness.....

(My sweet friend, Cici)

Pain.....

(Broken-Hip-Chuck)

Injury......

I have been wrestling with myself trying to get past this writers-block I've been experiencing the past few months......not really realizing why the words didn't just fly off my fingers like they usually do.  Maybe it was because I was bummed and didn't want to bum you guys out......maybe it was because of the old saying Mom used to say, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all".....It never stopped me back then, but it sure-as-sherlock is shutting me down now.

But wanted you to know that, even with all the trials this year has thrown at us, we have grown from these burrs-in-our-saddle (that's East Texas talk for "pains-in-our-butts").

But through it all, God has been there steadily reminding us He's near by providing us with jaw-dropping rainbows in our back yard.......

.....memories of Colorado to keep us cool (in the form of 5000 photos) from the 105 degree heat.....

.....and providing a man that not only gets on my nerves and causes me to roll my eyes constantly, but loves me inspite of my lack of patience and zillions of other issues....



"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.  It is His megaphone to arouse a deaf world."  C.S. Lewis


21 comments:

Denise Kohler said...

I do love your blogs, they always seem to touch me in one way or another. I was feeling a little ' down ' this morning, and this summed up a lot for me and help me to put things in perspective. Hope you're having a wonderful day. Love ya girly,
Denise

Helen said...

Thanks Liz. Your blog “Endurance” came at a good time for me. Helen

Jackie and Joe said...

Liz,
Thanks so much for the Blog sent today.

The heart of God in your life was beautifully shared.

You always bring freshness and richness from His heart through your day to day life.

love you,
blessings,
Jackie

Jack Wallace said...

Thank you for sharing your God-given “can-do” spirit!

Barb and Jack said...

what can I say but beautiful........I have sent this on to all my good friends and family. It is wonderful and so true. I want you to know we have extended our stay to Sept. 5. All is going so well. I have taken pictures and if you send me your address, I will send some of them to you. They are only of the view, as I am making a poster to put on our top step. God just has to be so proud of you Liz.

Jackie stuckey said...

Liz,

I know I have said it in the past. I guess today, I needed to know, even though I did, everyone goes through difficult times. Even though you say you have had writers block. I am here to tell you, this message was needed on this day, at this moment. Also what beautiful pictures you shared. I just LOVE rainbows! Thanks for always giving me different points of view and/or without knowing what I am needing! Please tell Chuck I said hi! Miss visiting the lake.

Dad said...

Take a REAL PROBLEM FROM YOUR PAST 2 YEARS OR SO and with a picture or Photo really define the problem ( think hard and long but find a problem you at that time you were dealing with THAT YOU NOW HAVE SOLVED AND IT IS NOLONGER A PROBLEM. DESCRIBE ITS DANGERS, AND ITS END RESULT IF CONTINUED.. Write it up once a month, if possible the same time frame (same week ) each month.. I stole this idea from "Flying" magazine from back when I flew ALL of my money away. I would give up a couple of meals just to buy the magazine for that feature alone..IT HAS ACTUALLY SAVED MY LIFE ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS. Use or not use without offense. J.C.

Wayne Manor said...

You need a change in latitude or there will be days like this. Always great to hear from you!

SHaron & Bob said...

Awesome message, thanks!

Also, thanks for the great wine-tasting party. Your added flare made it a special Blue Zone!
Love you,
ss

Kathey said...

Liz, I have three sayings taped to my computer at work and they always get me through each day.

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Handle every stressful situatio like a child of God: Pray about it and walk away.

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

Even typing these now gives me an inner peace and hope.

Love ya, Kathey

Israel said...

Well Liz, we are not alone, God has promised to be with us. You have granted me life and favor, And your care has preserved my spirit. Job10:12


Israel

Lulu said...

U always inspire me.. I love U"

Kathy Rachal said...

"Well said, my friend. Well said! Love you!!"

Dick and Bonnie said...

Liz----I’m so glad to receive your blog!!!! I know you have been struggling, as anyone would, but just know LIFE is so hard sometimes that we really do look back on the SOFT and think, “I didn’t think THAT was big deal, but it was”. As we get older, it seems life gets more worrisome and harder. We have accumulated a lot of ‘stuff’, and now it is time to cope with it. Our parents are old and pass away, our own health is more difficult as well as our spouses, but we have to ‘suck it up” and keep on trucking, as they (who the heck knows who THEY are). God’s hand is always over us, and I know you call upon him daily.



Love you two, Bonnie and Dick (now you know he won’t know about his inclusion in this until tomorrow) he he

Regina said...

Dearest Liz,

It is in your honesty, your transparency, that we are all so blessed - not just the funny and the clever blog you normally send but in the life events that you have suffered and shared. No one escapes dearest Liz, no one, but it is in how we play the cards we are dealt that makes the difference. Do we whinge on (British way of saying whining) or play the hand as best we can? Being honest about having difficulties in our difficulties does not make one a whiner. Bleating on and on, why me, why me, does. Life has been hard lately. Your trust in our Lord is a beautiful thing and inspiring. Hang in there dear friend! Thank God your current desert is not like the Israelites' 40 years - this is but a season and if/as you keep Him so close you can feel His breath on your neck, when this season ends it will be GLORIOUS!! Hang in there dear friend!!

I LOVE YOU - JE T'AIME - IO TI AMO - TE AMO!!

R

Mary Lee & Tom said...

Me thinks the writers block is gone. Great reading, as usual."

Regina #2 said...

Liz-bo

Ok - so life sucks right now - stop your cryin' and get on with your celebratin!! You have a husband you love dearly and who loves you just as much. You have family who loves you and whom you love with all your heart. You have SO MANY friends in this world!! Sisters and brothers in Christ who lift you up on a regular basis - and whom YOU lift up on a regular basis - which is how it SHOULD be! Praise GOD you have so many pieces in the puzzle of your life that are just "da bomb"!!

I know sometimes it's hard to remember all the good pieces but I am here to remind you to PRAY for remembrance of all the good pieces..... you are 1 of mine in the puzzle of my life and I am so very grateful to be able to say that. I love you dearest Liz!!! XOXOXOXO

Arlen & Doylene said...

Thank you for the reminders of the “rainbows” of life too.

Love ya, girl….

Doy

Ant Ellie said...

You will persevere....and this too, shall pass.
If we did not have this hope, we would surely be in
trouble. But never give up, never!
Enjoy those memories as they can never be taken
from you! It is the nectar of survival!
Love to you both,
ant ellie

Ant Ellie said...

You will persevere....and this too, shall pass.
If we did not have this hope, we would surely be in
trouble. But never give up, never!
Enjoy those memories as they can never be taken
from you! It is the nectar of survival!
Love to you both,
ant ellie

Nyla said...

I was raised with the "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" reminder and passed it on to my family. Its always been a pleasure to be around people who enjoy people and life.